Sioux Falls City Council Changes Requirements to Elect New Council Members

The Sioux Falls City Council voted on an amendment, proposed by counselor Rex Rolfing, to change the percentage of votes needed in an election to be considered victorious in winning a seat on the city council.

Mayor Mike Huether’s tie breaking vote now means a candidate would need to exceed 34 percent, to now 50 percent of the vote.

Critics of the proposal say this would open the door for those spending more money on campaigns to be elected. Proponents say the previous mark of 34 percent meant a city counselor could still be elected with over 60 percent of voters not liking a candidate.

The new 50 percent election rule now matches the same requirement to elect a Sioux Falls Mayor. More run-off elections could be a result of the decision.